AL-54 ยท Education Path & ROI

PhD vs. Industry
Pivot Calculator

Should you finish your PhD or leave for industry now? Models NPV of finishing vs. leaving over the same time horizon, break-even year post-graduation, opportunity cost of staying, and PSLF loan forgiveness impact. All inputs are yours โ€” no embedded salary databases.

๐Ÿ“Š Zero โ€” pure NPV math on user inputs. No embedded salary tables or PSLF-rate databases.
๐Ÿ”’All inputs are processed locally in your browser. Nothing is transmitted, stored, or logged. Inputs disappear when you close the tab.
Your PhD Situation Current State
Used for contextual notes only โ€” all values are yours to set
1โ€“7 years. "ABD" typically 1โ€“3 remaining.
Your current RA/TA or fellowship stipend
What your department/advisor pays on your behalf. Use posted tuition if waived.
Employer health insurance, gym, transit subsidy, etc.
Industry Path โ€” Leave Now Alternative
Offer in hand or your best estimate for your current credentials
Realistic annual raises + promotion trajectory
Post-PhD Path โ€” Finish the Degree Finish
Expected starting compensation after graduation
Growth rate in post-PhD career trajectory
Academic, national lab, and government roles typically qualify
PSLF requires 10 years of qualifying payments at a public employer. After 10 years, remaining federal loan balance is forgiven tax-free (as of current law).
Student Loans & Discount Rate
Federal loan balance entering post-PhD phase. Enter 0 if none.
Weighted average rate on your federal loans
Your personal hurdle rate. 5โ€“7% is typical for this analysis.
NPV Comparison Same Horizon
Key Metrics
Year-by-Year Cumulative Earnings 15-Year View
Analysis & Interpretation